ROUTE 47 BUSINESS RELIEF FUND

Short-Term Support for Businesses Impacted by Construction
The City of Woodstock, in partnership with the Community Foundation for McHenry County, has established the Route 47 Business Relief Fund to provide short-term financial assistance to small businesses directly impacted by the Route 47 Expansion Project. Construction is expected to occur from Spring 2026 through the end of 2028. While these improvements represent a long-term investment in safety, mobility, and economic growth, nearby businesses may experience temporary challenges such as reduced visibility, parking disruptions, limited access and revenue loss. The temporary, impact-based program is designed to help stabilize neighborhood-serving businesses during active construction. ​

How the Fund Works

• The City of Woodstock is providing $50,000 in seed funding, released in two $25,000 tranches based on construction progress
• The Community Foundation for McHenry County securely receives and manages all donations
• Grants up to $5,000 are awarded to eligible businesses experiencing documented construction-related impacts
• Businesses may apply up to two times if impacted by both construction phases
• Applications are reviewed by the Community Foundation's Grant Review Committee, approved by City staff, and administered by the Community Foundation and City of Woodstock
• Grant cycles will be announced during periods of active Route 47 construction

SUPPORT THE FUND

Help Local Businesses Weather Construction - DONATE NOW

Why Contribute?
​All contributions are tax-deductible and administered through the Community Foundation for McHenry County. ​Your donation helps:

• Maintain commercial vitality along the Route 47 corridor 
• Strengthen Woodstock's long-term economic resilience 
• Provide direct financial relief to small businesses 
• Preserve local jobs 

Other ways to show support:

• Continue supporting Route 47 businesses through local patronage 
• Participate in community events and initiatives for Route 47 businesses

Together, we can help ensure Woodstock's small businesses remain strong while the community builds for the future. 

​Contact Laura Cullotta at [email protected] for information on corporate sponsorships. ​

APPLICATIONS FOR RELIEF - OPENING SOON!

Applications will open during designated grant cycles when construction impacts are active.​ Once applications open, businesses will be able to submit online using the link below. 

APPLY HERE - Applications Opening Soon

GRANT OVERVIEW

• Up to $5,000 per award; one award per grant cycle
• Competitive and subject to available funding
• Maximum of two lifetime awards if multiple cycles occur 
• Applicants will typically be notified of award within 2-4 weeks of submission

​Requirements
Eligible industries generally include retail, restaurants, arts/entertainment, and other customer-facing neighborhood services. Businesses must:

• Operate from a brick-and-mortar location within the Route 47 Construction Impact Area
• Have been open to the public for at least 12 months 
• Employ 1-49 full-time equivalent employees
• Generate $30,000 - $5,000,000 in annual revenue 
• Be privately owned and in good standing with local, state, and federal requirements
• Intend to remain in Woodstock after construction 

Applicants must also demonstrate measurable construction-related impact such as: 

• 20% or greater revenue decline over a 90-day period
• Documented parking, access, or visibility disruptions 
• Reduced hours or staffing 

Supporting documentation (P&L statements, sales tax reports, POS summaries, etc.) will be required.

Use of Funds
Grant funds may be used for the following:

• Payroll and employee retention 
• Marketing and customer outreach 
• Rent, utilities, and operating expenses
• Equipment repair or replacement 
• Business-related debt service 

Funds may not be used for owner bonuses, political activity, or personal expenses.